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Lack of communication causes confusion between community and police

Only one resident showed up for Wednesday night’s PSA 4 meeting held at the Chestnut Hill Library. The low turnout was the probably the result of poor communication between the police department and the community. It wasn’t until late Wednesday afternoon that the Local confirmed there was a PSA 4 meeting at the library.

Compounding the issue was that the date of the this month’s PSA meeting was not set in time for the Aug. 29 meeting attended by 20 residents from Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill. The 14th District’s website also did not list the PSA 4 meeting.
Even Sgt. Nicholas Tees,who presided over the PSA 4 meeting said initially he was unsure if the meeting was going to be held at the Chestnut Hill Library or the Oxford Presbyterian Church, 8501 Stenton Ave.

Carol Scott, who is a member of the Upper East Mt. Airy Community Association, called the church to confirm the meeting place.

After the question was settled, Tees began to discuss the last month’s trends.
The number of robberies was up from 4 in August to 7 from Sept. 1 to Sept. 18. There were two aggravated assaults. One was a domestic violence incident. Burglaries were down drastically from 21 in August to 12, but thefts from autos continues to be a problem, Tees said. There were 17 thefts from automobiles. Eleven out of the 17 thefts from autos occurred in Chestnut Hill. One vehicle was reported stolen.

Tees said he would make sure that future PSA 4 meetings were posted on the web. Because of the low turnout, the meeting ended early.

On Friday at 1 p.m. the 14th Police District will participate in Peace Day Philly by holding a candle vigil at 43 W. Haines St. The next PSA 4 meeting will be held on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Oxford Presbyterian Church.

7 p.m. Mt. Airy Arts Performing Center, 230 East Gowen Ave. Behind Grace Epiphany Church All classes are Free for the trial period, but a donation $3 to $5 is suggested per session for the teacher.[...]